System losing water - could this be it?

bipbap

 So I’ve been having issues with our 1-pipe steam system losing water.
 The only place I found is a spot where a vent is attached near the horizontal main in the basement.
  Steam comes out of NOT the vent itself, but the spot where the smaller pipe connects to the main, looks like photo (I wrapped a rag around that spot to absorb the drip).

  So this connection has a steady stream of steam coming out of it when the system is running.
  Is this issue enough to cause a significant loss of water? Like an inch or two drop in the sight glass over a day or two of cold weather?
  Thanks to all who have shared advice on my other issues- I do have our steam guy coming Monday but trying to figure some things out before he comes so appreciate the advice of all you steam pros.

bburd

Yes. There may be other leaks in the system as well. The stems of radiator valves are a common source, and hard to detect because the steam tends to evaporate immediately without leaving visible vapor.

Jamie Hall

A "steady stream" -- even a tiny one -- is more than adequate to account for you leaking. Even a drip can be enough for a gallon a day.

bipbap

Just curious- How do I know how much water my boiler holds total?
like if the sight glass goes down an inch, how much lost water is that?

Hap_Hazzard

bipbap said:

Just curious- How do I know how much water my boiler holds total?
like if the sight glass goes down an inch, how much lost water is that?

There should be a section in the installation and operating manual (IOM) called specifications and ratings or something like that. If you don't have the manual, give me the make & model and I'll try to look it up for you.

JUGHNE

Or if you have a VXT, you could hold the manual fill switch until it filled to NWL level.
Or until it showed one gallon added, to give you an idea.

bipbap

Ok thank you, I’ll try that!